STONER MOUNTAIN BLOG

27 November, 2016

Fudge Tunnel, the evil twin of Nirvana, never got enough recognition in my opinion. Their frontman Alex Newport (he was also in Nailbomb) is now a quite successful music producer. Either way, I think you should be pleased with this one.

Getting a full major-label deal didn't affect Fudge Tunnel any in terms of what they did -- Newport still handled production and so forth -- but whichever Sony executive figured they had a radio hit on their hands was probably on some expensive crack. The tight, stop-start riffs and screamed, shouted vocals probably meant visions of Helmet's success danced in the accountant's heads, but MTV didn't come calling. Regardless, for those already taken by the trio's blunt, brute way around metal, Creep Diets maybe had a calmer moment or two in comparison to Hate Songs, but otherwise cranked up the volume and sought to take no prisoners.

Opening track "Grey" gave a hint as to proceedings -- while most of the time it alternated between bass/drums/vocals verses and a crisp full band punch on the chorus, any accusations of Nirvana wannabe status were shredded by the massive go-to-hell solo pasted right in the middle. From there, the trio makes its way, and while things do sound great throughout, songwise there's not much variety -- hasn't hurt a lot of bands, perhaps, but in the end most listeners would want some sort of break. As a result, when Fudge Tunnel does try something different, it stands out -- the key song being "Don't Have Time for You." Smack dab in the middle of the album, it's a lazier lope of a song that still fits into the Fudge Tunnel approach (semi-buried vocals, upfront bass) that works despite not immediately beating in skulls, even with the fried ending. Jazzy drum fills on "Ten Percent" and the apparently Smashing Pumpkins-quoting "Face Down" give other hints of testing bounds. There's a definite sense of humor at play in any event -- why else name a particularly messy number "Tipper Gore"? - AllMusic

26 November, 2016

The Cyclist Conspiracy annouce their second EP and share the new video!

Belgrade pscyhedelic rock 10-piece The Cyclist Conspiracy share their video for “Virility” and announce the release of their second EP. “Mashallan Plan: Virility” brings 5 brilliant, psychedelic pieces flirting with various range of genres - from heavy metal and krautrock, through traditional and world music to experimental and film music – weaving an epic story about the “quest for true spirituality in the End Times”.

The EP will be released by the British label Trashmouth (The Fat White Family, Meatraffle, Warmduscher) on December 9 and the chapter of “Mashallah Plan” will be closed during the 2017 with the sister EP “Mashallah Plan: Simurghbird”. The video was made by Serbian filmmakers Stefan Malešević and Bojan Vorkapić. You can pre-order the new EP here: Bandcamp - info from the band

25 November, 2016

Purple Kong's self-titled three-track, debut EP is possibly my favourite three-track EP, since...Major Kong's Brave New Kong. Coincidence? Yeah, probably. You can download their EP for free via their Bandcamp page. Of course, I encourage you to pay a couple bucks to support the band.

Purple Kong is a stoner doom power trio, hailing from London's underground metal scene. With heavy drums, crushing guitar riffs, thumping low bass, clean powerful vocals and lyrics as dark as their sound, I believe they'll soon get a lot more attention. Their music is heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and Sleep, a wild rampage of 70s proto-metal guitar riffs and distortions. All songs have this awesome Sleep's Sonic Titan vibe. Especially the song Cocaine Pentagram, which is definitely one of my favourite tracks of the year.

Their debut EP is not to be missed. Great stuff created in a classic vein. I hope they make a full-length album soon because I want more!

18 November, 2016

If Winter Moon's sophomore EP was a hot pair of shoes, then I would say - Damn, Daniel. If that's a bit too metaphoric for you (it's even a bit too much for me), let me put it this way. It just blew me away. But if you've heard their previous EP, then you already know that these New Zealanders and Aussies kick some serious ass!

Yes, it's another female-fronted retro rock, but they have a unique and refreshing style that will appeal to a broad range of tastes. I just love how Winter Moon transcends many classic rock genres like blues rock, psych-rock, hard rock and it still sounds modern. There's nothing here that's in your face, or pretentious. What is here are clean riffs and toe-tappin' tunes; all furnished and delivered as laid-back and as relaxed as a cat in a pile of warm laundry. The songwriting is taut, soaring and shows how a real band crafts their tunes once the writer has penned the initial song. The musicianship is at a high level. Each song is haunting in its own way with the guitars wailing, drums banging, keyboards conjuring melodies and soulful powerhouse vocals. There are no songs that one would want to skip. Every song is at least really great, catchy and well-crafted. This is a rare feat for an entire album, no matter the musical genre.

Overall, I find this album to be a wonderful time machine to a simpler era. Hearts and Hands is one of those records that will stand the test of time. An album that is definitely worth the money. Anyone who likes the blues with an upbeat sound has to listen to this. You won't be disappointed!

14 November, 2016

Creep Purple is a really cool website created by Paulius Plytnikas that you can check anytime to see a huge list of record labels and mailorders which are concentrated to psych/stoner rock and doom/sludge metal from all over the world. The site also promote places where people can buy merch directly from the bands. If you want your band or record label/shop to be linked there, just contact Paulius and he will include it to Creep Purple. No charges whatsoever, this man has a mission to help the bands and labels.

P.S. I've added a new section to Stoner Mountain called Links (I'm so creative with names). It's a collection of links to blogs/websites/youtube channels/record labels etc. that I enjoy and think that you might like as well.

13 November, 2016

Dead Witches is a brand new doom metal project, which features Psychedelic Witchcraft frontwoman Virginia Monti and Electric Wizard’s Mark Greening. Finally after some mysterious teasers, the band surprised us with a full song. Here is the Video for Mind Funeral, a track from Dead Witches upcoming debut album.

Mind Funeral is a slow plodding heavy as hell song. It has a good groove and powerful presence, from the ethereal and spacey vocals to the raw guitar riffs and bass line, not to mention the drums' ability to make you want to bang your head. Would love to hear more!

08 November, 2016

Here's a cool freebie from Black Prism, a heavy stoner rock band from Los Angeles. Check out the Bandcamp link below to get your copy.

Eye For An Eye is only the band's second single and it left me quite impressed. Great guitar work that assaults your ears; pounding, thunderous bass and big drums. With vocals that are both bizarre and addictive. Early Stonebride instantly came to mind, but be sure to listen and make your own opinion.

Not too hard, not too soft, just right. I really enjoyed this. Keep watching this band, they will no doubt make a mark someday. Get on board now before your friends are barking at you about it in a few months.

05 November, 2016

Last year, the Spanish stoner rock band GRASS released their debut album Rosamonte. An album filled with funky bass lines and sweet guitar riffs. Their overall sound somewhat reminded me of Clutch. Nothing too groundbreaking, but who gives a damn when it rocks this hard? Definitely worth checking out.

Now GRASS released its debut music video for the song Evil Wife, filmed under the direction of Oriol Perez Alcaraz. Give it a watch!

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